Why We Give: The Science of Generosity
The numbers are impressive. People donated nearly USD 835 billion in cross-border philanthropy in 2018, USD 658 billion from private sources. Globally, one billion volunteers donated their time and energy to charities. Why do people donate their money and time? Is it because we’re inherently kind? Or, are we fundamentally greedy and only give because we have ulterior motives or expect reciprocity?
There are arguments that altruism is an integral part of human nature, written in our genes. Still, some would say that generosity is a product of civilizing influence, which starts to appear in human society with the development of culture and religion. The argument is mostly philosophical rather than scientific. A more definitive answer may come from neuroscience. Recent research provides convincing evidence that, to a certain degree, we are biologically programmed to be altruistic.
There is also an age-old debate in psychology; however, whether humans are purely altruistic or whether we always have something to gain from giving. Philosophers have been arguing about whether people are inherently selfish as far back as Socrates. In Plato's Republic, Socrates discusses with his older brother Glaucon in which Glaucon insists that people's good behavior only exists for self-interest.
The Altruistic Brain
Contemporary social neuroscience research shows that altruism is associated with a specific pattern of brain activity. These studies indicate that the cerebral cortex, the area of the brain responsible for our most advanced cognitive functions, is involved in altruistic behavior.
Several studies have shown that both giving and receiving money triggers the brain’s dopamine-rich reward system. It happens mostly in a region called the striatum, which is the same area that lights up when you eat cake, listen to music, or engage in other satisfying activities.
People get an even stronger sense of reward when they witness the positive impact of their gift—much like the joy you feel when you see your loved one’s face light up when they unwrap the perfect present.
Studies also show that when people donated to charity, either financially or through volunteering, the mesolimbic system, the portion of the brain responsible for feelings of reward, was triggered. The brain releases feel-good chemicals, spurring you to perform more kind acts—something psychologists call “helper’s high.”
There’s also a connection between empathy and altruism. The empathy-altruism hypothesis suggests that people are most likely to behave altruistically towards someone if they empathize with their predicament. For example, a woman who has a child might be more inclined to lend a hand to a mother struggling to carry both her toddler and the grocery bags. Various research studies support this hypothesis. One study found that children begin to develop altruistic habits when developing their sense of empathy.
The Health Benefits of Altruism
Studies have linked volunteerism (a popular form of altruism) to happiness, better physical health, and increased mental health.
One study followed a group of mothers over 30 years. Over the three decades, 52 percent of the women who rarely or never volunteered experienced a significant illness, while only 36 percent of women who routinely volunteered experienced a major illness.
In another study, scientists found that older adults who participated in a volunteer organization had lower depression rates, less anxiety, and an increased will to live. Another study found that adults aged 55 and older who consistently volunteered had a 44 percent decrease in mortality rates.
It seems counter-intuitive on the surface, but one study found that humans are most likely to perform an altruistic deed when in a bad mood. The researchers concluded that helping others can effectively boost our mood and help us feel better about ourselves and our situation.
Global cooperation and altruism are needed more than ever before as we face a world in which extreme poverty is expected to rise due to the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving as many as 729 million people in dire straights. Only collective action can solve the problem.
Maximize Your Philanthropic Gifts
Your contributions can help save people from extreme poverty, providing food, clothing, healthcare, and education opportunities. TrustBridge Global offers a lower assessment of operational costs, so more of your money can be appropriated where it’s needed most. Maximize your efforts with a TrustBridge Charity Fund and find out how we can expand the reach of your gift.